Medicine and Medical Sciences

Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, especially preeclampsia, affect 2–8% of pregnancies globally. Risk factors include prior hypertension, chronic conditions, advanced maternal age, obesity, infections and assisted reproduction. Poor placental development underlies preeclampsia pathogenesis, contributing to significant maternal and foetal risks. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of preeclampsia and associated risk factors (family history, age, hypertension, diabetes, etc.), and to investigate its foetal and maternal outcomes. A longitudinal study was conducted at Al Basra Hospital (1st of September 2024–1st of Sept 2025). Preeclampsia prevalence, risk factors and outcomes were investigated. Pregnant women diagnosed with preeclampsia, excluding those with chronic conditions or extreme ages were included. Data collected covered socio-demographic, obstetric and medical history, but also family history of hypertension during pregnancy.  The study included 75 women with a mean age of 33.2 years; most lived in urban areas and were housewives. Over half had regular antenatal care, and 46.7% had prior hypertension. Non-severe preeclampsia was more common (81.3%). Severe preeclampsia was significantly associated with lower gestational age at delivery, higher rates of eclampsia, emergency Caesarean sections, postpartum haemorrhage, lower birth weights, increased neonatal deaths, as well as more neonatal intensive care unit admissions, indicating worse maternal and foetal outcomes, compared to non-severe preeclampsia cases. Severe preeclampsia increases maternal and neonatal complications, including preterm delivery and neonatal intensive care unit admissions. Major risk factors include obesity, primigravidity, irregular antenatal care and prior hypertension.

Download Full Text - PDF


Viewed

88

Downloaded

80